Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to Senator Sinodinos's statement to the Senate in February 2013 that he played no role in the awarding of the January 2012 contract to Australian Water Holdings by Sydney Water. Was the Prime Minister aware that Senator Sinodinos had in fact arranged for a letter from Premier O'Farrell to help secure the contract? When did the Prime Minister become aware of this?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

These are all matters that will quite properly be canvassed by the ICAC inquiry.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Has the Prime Minister finished his answer?

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

He has finished his answer. Do you have a point of order?

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, under standing order 104(a), Madam Speaker.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister has finished his answer.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker, it cannot be the case that the moment—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You were very quick on your feet.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am given the call, you then, instead of hearing the point of order, turn to the Prime Minister for advice.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I point out to the Manager of Opposition Business that that is coming close to a reflection.

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Well—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Resume your seat! The member would also know that, under the standing orders, ministers are not obliged to answer questions.

Mr Burke interjecting—

No, they are not, as you well know. Merely because you do not get the answer you wish does not make it outside the standing orders.